Arise, shine; for your light has come!
God’s glory has risen upon us.
Despite the state of this world:
Despite illness, despite fear;
Despite disappointment, despite injustice;
Despite sadness, despite violence;
Despite grief, and despite despair–
God’s glory will appear over us.
Lift up your eyes and look around:
See the light of God’s hope, the light of God’s peace,
the light of God’s joy, the light of God’s love.
See the light of God’s healing for us, for our community, for our world.
Let us lift up our eyes and look around.
Then we shall see and be radiant,
our hearts shall thrill and rejoice.

(based on Isaiah 60)